Which sunglasses suit my face? A face-shape guide with real frames

Short answer: Choose sunglasses that contrast with your face shape and match its scale. Angular frames balance soft, round faces; round and oval frames soften strong, square jawlines; and the frame should be about as wide as the widest part of your face. The rules are the same for men and women – and they're guidelines, not laws.

How do I find my face shape?

Pull your hair back, stand in front of a mirror and look at three things: the width of your forehead, your cheekbones and your jaw – and whether your face is longer than it is wide. Tracing the outline on the mirror with a bit of soap or a washable marker makes it easier to see.

• Round: about as wide as it is long, soft curves, no strong angles.
• Square: forehead, cheekbones and jaw roughly the same width, with a strong jawline.
• Oval: a little longer than it is wide, with a jaw slightly narrower than the forehead.
• Heart: wider forehead and cheekbones, narrowing to a pointed chin.
• Long: clearly longer than it is wide, with fairly straight sides.
• Diamond: widest at the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jaw.

Which sunglasses suit a round face?

Look for structure. Square sunglasses, rectangular and geometric frames add definition and make the face look a little longer. The rectangular Gallina Olive and the square Kruse Black are good places to start. A cat-eye with an upswept brow also lifts the face. Small, very round frames tend to repeat the roundness instead of balancing it.

Which sunglasses suit a square face?

Soften the angles. Round sunglasses and oval frames balance a strong jaw – try the round Quist Havana or the oval Dahl Havana. Aviators work well too, as their curved lower edge contrasts with a defined jawline; the Lai Havana is our take on the classic aviator. Very boxy, sharp-edged frames can make the face look harder.

Which sunglasses suit an oval face?

Most shapes suit an oval face, so let proportion guide you: keep the frame roughly as wide as your face at its widest. Softened squares such as Lodi Blue are an easy everyday choice, and it's a good face shape for trying something bolder.

Which sunglasses suit a heart-shaped face?

Balance a wider forehead with frames that are lighter at the top or slightly wider at the bottom. Round, oval and aviator shapes work well. Heavy, decorative brow lines add width where you already have it.

Which sunglasses suit a long face?

Choose frames with some depth, which visually shorten the face: oversized styles like Bloch Black, or square frames with a strong brow. Small, narrow frames can make a long face look longer.

Which sunglasses suit a diamond-shaped face?

Highlight your cheekbones with frames that are wider at the top than your cheekbones are narrow: cat-eye and oval shapes are classic choices. Our Palma Black has a sculpted cat-eye profile.

Does size matter as much as shape?

Often more. A frame that's too wide slides and looks oversized in the wrong way; one that's too narrow pinches and makes the face look wider. Check the three numbers on the inside of the temple – lens width, bridge width and temple length – against a pair that already fits you. If you have a smaller face, compact styles such as Adamo Olive fit better than oversized ones.

Where to start

If you're unsure, browse our bestsellers – shapes that suit a wide range of faces – or see all sunglasses by shape.

FAQ

Can I wear round sunglasses with a round face?

Yes, if you like them – go for a slightly larger frame with a defined brow, so it doesn't repeat the roundness exactly.

Which sunglasses suit every face shape?

No frame suits everyone, but softened squares, gentle ovals and aviators suit a wide range of faces because they combine straight lines and curves.

Are the rules different for men and women?

No. Face shape and proportion work the same way. Choose the colour and style you like.

Should sunglasses be wider than my face?

Only slightly, if at all. The frame should roughly line up with the widest part of your face, with your eyes near the centre of the lenses.